Nemanja Matic speculates social media criticism affecting Harry Maguire's performance at Manchester United

In regards to Harry Maguire's recent struggles, ex-Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has suggested that social media may be playing a role.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made Harry Maguire the captain of Manchester United after completing his signing from Leicester City in 2019 for a reported £80 million.

Maguire's performances have come under scrutiny in the past few years and he has had significantly reduced opportunities under Erik ten Hag's management.

The 30-year-old Maguire has been overlooked by the Dutchman in favor of players such as Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and even Luke Shaw. 

Maguire's ex-teammate Matic has discussed how social media has affected the defender's performance.

He said: “I can understand why he's playing for England because he's a great player.

“When he signed for United, in his first season he played almost every game and he was one of the best players. The problem today is that if you play two or three games not great, with social media, everyone criticises you - and maybe that affected him.

“But he has to think only about his job, because in football everything can change in a few weeks. His situation doesn't look great at the moment, but he needs to be focused. He's very professional and we'll see what the future brings for him.”

🗣️ "His first season he played almost every game and he was one of the best players." 🔴

Nemanja Matić believes criticism on social media may have affected Harry Maguire at Manchester United pic.twitter.com/31CP4y1dbm

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 2, 2023